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- 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/2 cup packed brown sugar - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 cup rolled oats - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes - 1/4 cup granulated sugar - A pinch of salt For a great baked apple crumble, I suggest using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Granny Smith apples add a tart flavor. Honeycrisp offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Both hold up well when baked. You can also try Fuji or Braeburn for a sweeter taste. You can easily swap ingredients if needed. Here are some ideas: - Apples: Use any firm apple, like Fuji or Gala. - Brown Sugar: Replace with coconut sugar or white sugar. - Rolled Oats: Quick oats work in a pinch. - Butter: Use coconut oil for a dairy-free option. - Flour: Almond flour or oat flour can work as gluten-free choices. These substitutions keep the dish delicious while catering to your needs. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important for even baking. While the oven heats, grab a 9-inch square baking dish. Grease it with butter or a light spray of cooking oil. This prevents the crumble from sticking. Next, prepare the apples. Peel, core, and slice 4 large apples. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for a tart taste. In a large bowl, combine the apple slices with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. This helps keep the apples fresh. Then, add 1/2 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. Toss everything gently. Make sure each apple slice gets coated well. Spread this mixture evenly across the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Now, let's make the crumble topping. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of rolled oats, 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour, and 1/4 cup of granulated sugar. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor. This mixture will be the base of your crumble. To create the perfect crumble texture, incorporate 1/2 cup of cold, cubed unsalted butter. Use a pastry cutter, forks, or your fingers to mix the butter into the dry ingredients. Aim for coarse crumbs, with some larger pieces. This adds a nice crunch. Next, evenly distribute the crumble over the apple filling in the baking dish. Make sure it covers the apples completely. This helps them bake evenly. Now, place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes. You want the apples to bubble and the topping to turn a rich golden brown. The aroma will fill your kitchen! Once baked, remove the dish from the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to set, making it easier to serve. Enjoy your delicious baked apple crumble! To get the best crumble, focus on your butter. Use cold butter straight from the fridge. Cut it into small cubes. When mixing, work the butter until it looks like coarse crumbs. You want some larger pieces too. This mix will bake into a crunchy topping. If it’s too fine, it can turn out hard. You can spice things up! Try adding more cinnamon or a pinch of cloves. For a nutty flavor, mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. Dried fruits, like raisins or cranberries, add sweetness. A splash of vanilla extract also lifts the taste. Experiment to find your favorite mix! One common mistake is not preheating the oven. Always start with a hot oven for even baking. Another mistake is not coating the apples well. Make sure each slice is covered in sugar and spice. This ensures the apples soften nicely. Lastly, don’t skip the cooling time; it helps the juices set. Pro Tips Choose the Right Apples: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity in your crumble. Butter Temperature Matters: Ensure your butter is cold when mixing with the dry ingredients to achieve a crumbly texture instead of a dough-like consistency. Let it Cool: Allow the crumble to cool for at least 10 minutes after baking. This helps the juices set and makes for easier serving. Serving Suggestions: For an indulgent treat, serve your baked apple crumble warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. {{image_4}} You can make this baked apple crumble gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many stores sell this mix. You can also use almond flour or oat flour. Ensure your oats are labeled gluten-free. These small changes keep the dish tasty for everyone. To make this crumble vegan, replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Both options work well and add a nice flavor. You can also swap honey or regular sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar. This way, you keep it plant-based and delicious. Get creative with your filling! You can mix in other fruits like berries, pears, or peaches. They add color and taste. For a crunchy twist, add nuts like walnuts or pecans to the crumble topping. They give a nice bite and extra flavor. After you enjoy your baked apple crumble, let it cool. Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can also transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. This keeps the flavors fresh and the texture nice. To reheat leftover apple crumble, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crumble in an oven-safe dish. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. You want it warm and bubbly again. If you prefer, you can use a microwave. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Enjoy it with a scoop of ice cream for a tasty treat! You can freeze baked apple crumble, too! Allow it to cool completely. Wrap the dish tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This keeps out air and prevents freezer burn. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat in the oven as mentioned before. This way, you can have a warm dessert whenever you crave it! The best apples for a baked apple crumble are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. These apples give a nice tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the crumble. They hold their shape well when baked, so your dessert stays nice and chunky. You can mix different types too for added flavor. Yes, you can. Prepare the crumble topping up to a day ahead. Just keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, you save time when you're ready to bake. Just sprinkle it over the apples before baking. Absolutely! You can make a crumble without oats. You can replace oats with more flour or use crushed nuts for a different texture. This gives you a unique twist on the classic recipe while still keeping it delicious. Look for a golden brown topping and bubbling apples. The crumble should be firm to the touch. If you see bubbles around the edges, it means the apples are soft and done. The smell will also be heavenly! Yes, you can! Use small ramekins or oven-safe bowls. Just adjust the baking time. Check them after about 20-25 minutes. Individual servings make for a fun presentation and are perfect for parties. In this post, we explored how to make a delicious apple crumble. We discussed the key ingredients, from apple types to crumble topping. I provided step-by-step instructions for perfecting your dish. You'll find helpful tips, variations, and storage info too. When you follow these guidelines, you can enjoy a tasty dessert that fits your needs. Remember to experiment with flavors and ingredients for your special touch. Now, it’s time to bake and share your great creation!

Classic Baked Apple Crumble

A delightful dessert featuring tart apples topped with a crunchy crumble, perfect for any occasion.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 200 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • a pinch salt

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch square baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Toss until coated and spread evenly in the baking dish.
  • In a separate bowl, mix together the rolled oats, all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  • Add the cold, cubed butter to the oat and flour mixture and work it into the dry ingredients until it resembles coarse crumbs.
  • Distribute the crumble mixture evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
  • Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
  • Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Keyword apple crumble, baked, dessert